February 01, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Ferry
View a larger image on flickr.com
I worked on Granville Island for a few years, and one of the best things about it (besides the food) was commuting on the little ferries that bob along False Creek.
After a long day in the office, I’d walk down to the docks and watch the ferry’s lights get closer before hopping in. The evening rides were always my favorite: quietly gliding across the water in the dark was an instant de-stressor.
Daytime rides, though busier, gave me the chance to watch kayakers, cormorants and harbour seals (it’s neat to look a seal in the eye from water level). These ferries are by far the coolest form of transit in the city, and they make an awesome harbour “mini-cruise” rain or shine. Plus, they're pretty darn cute.
Both False Creek Ferries (the blue boats) and Aquabus (the rainbow boats) offer the same relaxing ride. The differences between them are: only False Creek Ferries will travel to Maritime Museum/Space Museum/Museum of Vancouver, and only Aquabus can handle bicycles – they even have a special Cyquabus for that purpose.